BantamX power distribution block

[Unleaded]

Wondering if anyone has one of these (or similar)?

I just installed one, mainly for adding bumper lights front and rear. Really simple install, as it just requires a single networking cable through the firewall, and then all 8 circuits are controlled via touchscreen.

My question is this: I’m also going to add toolbox lights and led strips under my bed cap, and want to have switches locally at each location. Any issues with programming circuits to “always on”, and then adding a third party switch in one or more of those circuits?

It would be easy to tap into a nearby factory hot, but I like having a more clean install, even though it means quite a bit more wire running from the bed to the engine compartment.

With a regular fuse block, the answer would be more obvious to me, but I’m just not well-versed in programmable, no-relay circuitry.

(Also I can/will ask the manufacturer, but they’re not open until Monday, so thought maybe I’d take a stab at it here).

 

[AH64ID]

My first thought is that the parasitic power draw from ‘always on’ would drain the batteries quickly. Very little info on their website, so that may be a question for the manufacturer.

Interesting they don’t have a Ram specific application.

 

[Unleaded]

My first thought is that the parasitic power draw from ‘always on’ would drain the batteries quickly. Very little info on their website, so that may be a question for the manufacturer.

Interesting they don’t have a Ram specific application.

Exactly - that’s what I worry about too. Yes I think their target market is the Jeep crowd, so the rest of the market gets lumped into a catch-all generic block.

Having said that, I have nothing hooked up to it yet, but the touchscreen is programmed via Bluetooth from their app. Seems pretty easy and intuitive. (Although whether it WORKS or not remains to be seen!)

*edited to add for anyone interested: As a whole, the BantamX is of exceedingly high quality in construction. The block and touchscreen are both metal encased and heavy. The leads and networking cable are mesh-wrapped and shrink-finished on the ends. And of course future add-ons are very easy - two wires to the block and done. BUT unless you’re in need of special circuit capability (pulse/flash, momentary, etc - none of which are necessary to string a few lights together) it’s entirely silly and unjustifiable when exactly the same thing can be accomplished for $50 with a marine fuse block, a few relays and a switch or two. But I knew that going in. This thing is $800 and change (if you shop around). I’m a sucker for tech and clean appearances and installations, so I took the leap.

 

[TonyT]

Check all your switches to ensure they're functioning as they should. I got burned on my Bantam X. I didn't notice that switch#3 wasn't working until well after I installed it. It's the second SPod I've owned and I'm 0/2 on getting one that functions 100%.

For your bed lights, etc. You could run a second switch panel that sits in your truck bed. It will function the same as the panel inside.

 

[Unleaded]

Check all your switches to ensure they're functioning as they should. I got burned on my Bantam X. I didn't notice that switch#3 wasn't working until well after I installed it. It's the second SPod I've owned and I'm 0/2 on getting one that functions 100%.

For your bed lights, etc. You could run a second switch panel that sits in your truck bed. It will function the same as the panel inside.

Sorry to hear that, but good advice. Thanks very much.

 

[deanfx]

I went with switch pros from SDHQ for my lighting. Super clean install with zero issues.

 

[Unleaded]

I went with switch pros from SDHQ for my lighting. Super clean install with zero issues.

That looks like a great option. Less expensive and great reviews. SDHQ has some cool stuff. I have SDHQ A pillar light mounts, but I’m just going to use one of them for a GMRS antenna mount (no lights) so the other will sit in the box unfortunately.

I bought my BantamX through Black Oak LED, where I’ve purchased a lot of lights over the years. Got it installed last week, so we’ll see…